Large Animal Science

This science based class provides students the basis to understand that all facets of modern agriculture are based on science discovery. Students will explore and discover the agriculture industry, particularly large animals in the Pittsville area. The course curriculum is enhanced through taking field trips and lab experiences to poultry, sheep, horse, dairy, elk, and pig farms. Students will learn about the impact agriculture has on the community by being exposed to a well-rounded, applied curriculum related to the large animal industry and the sciences that make agriculture such a fast growing industry. This course is highly recommended for students wishing to further their post-secondary education in the areas of animal and veterinary science.

Prerequisites: None but completion of Biology is recommended
½ credit

Unit 1-The Livestock Industry

Understand and summarize the history of domestication of livestock animals.
List and explain the functions of livestock.
Describe the size and scope of the livestock industry in the USA.
Identify safe practices when working with livestock.
Explain the value of a livestock background and list employment opportunities in the animal science industry.

Unit 2-Anatomy, Physiology, Feeding and Nutrition

Name, locate and describe the functions of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive and digestive systems of ruminant and non-ruminant livestock animals.
Classify livestock as ruminant or non-ruminant.
Identify major functions of the basic nutrient groups and identify feeds that are sources of each.
Describe the six functions of a good ration and demonstrate how to balance a ration.

Unit 3-Animal Breeding

Explain how genetics relates to improvement in livestock production.
Identify and describe the male and female reproductive organs.
Describe the functions of hormones in reproduction.
List 3 reproductive failures that can occur.
Discuss 3 current genetic engineering trends that have a potential to have an impact on the livestock industry.

Unit 4-Beef Cattle

Describe the importance of the beef industry in the USA.
Name and describe 15 beef breeds and their characteristics.
Diagram the different types of beef production systems.
Name the parts of the beef animal.
List and describe approved practices for a cow/calf herd.
List approved practices for managing a feeder cattle operation.
Identify common diseases and parasites of beef cattle and how to prevent them.

Unit 5-Swine

Describe the importance of the swine industry in the USA.
Name and describe 15 swine breeds and their characteristics.
Diagram the different types of swine production systems.
Name the parts of the swine animal.
List and describe approved practices for a swine operation.
Identify common diseases and parasites of swine and how to prevent them.

Unit 6-Sheep and Goats

Describe the importance of the sheep/goat industry in the USA.
Name and describe 5 breeds of sheep and goats and their characteristics.
Diagram the different types of sheep/goat production systems.
Name the parts of the sheep and goat animal.
List and describe approved practices for a sheep/goat operation.
Identify common diseases and parasites of sheep/goats and how to prevent them.

Unit 7-Dairy Cattle

Describe the importance of the dairy industry in the USA.
Name and describe 6 dairy breeds and their characteristics.
Diagram the different types of dairy production systems.
Name the parts of the dairy animal.
List and describe approved practices for a dairy operation.
Identify common diseases and parasites of dairy and how to prevent them.

Unit 8-Poultry

Describe the importance of the poultry industry in the USA.
Name and describe 5 poultry breeds and their characteristics.
Diagram the different types of poultry production systems.
Name the parts of the poultry animal.
List and describe approved practices for a poultry operation.
Identify common diseases and parasites of poultry and how to prevent them.

Unit 9-Exotic Large Animal Species

Describe the importance of the exotic animal industry in the USA.
Name and describe 5 different exotics and their characteristics.
Diagram the different types of exotic production systems.
Identify common diseases and parasites of exotics and how to prevent them.

Student Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, I would like the students to be able to:

Describe the impact and summarize the domestication of livestock animals and the scope of the industry in the USA.
Name, locate and describe the functions of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems of ruminant and non-ruminant livestock animals.
Explain how genetics relates to improvement in livestock production.
List the main characteristics of the livestock species in the USA and the management specifics that are necessary for each of the species.
Identify at least 6 breeds of each of the species in the livestock industry.
Describe how to properly care and manage the overall health and wellbeing of the various types of livestock animals.
Formulate a nutritional program for 7 types of livestock species.
Design and develop a housing unit for one of the species of livestock.